Remote-control device for spinning tops

ABSTRACT

A device used for either amusement purposes or for physical therapy, including one or more spinning tops, each of which is disposed on a support structure including a base member, a vertical support member and a horizontal support member parallely disposed to the base member. Each of the tops has at least a portion fabricated from a material and a remote control arrangement is provided for selectively controlling the rotation of the tops, including a manually operable control member for each top and a mechanical linkage connecting each respective control member and its associated top, each linkage incorporating a magnet adapted to selectively engage the portion of the top.

United States Patent Witiak REMOTE-CONTROL DEVICE FOR SPINNING TOPS Inventor:

Filed:

John D. Witiak, 8648 Piney Branch Rd, Silver Spring, Md. 10901 May 16, 1973 Appl. NO.Z 360,798

US. Cl. 46/241; 46/61 Int. Cl. A63h 27/12; A63h 33/26 Field of Search 46/61, 236, 241; 272/67;

273/1 M, 86 R, 94 A References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS [451 Aug. 19, 1975 Primary ExaminerLouis G. Mancene Assistant ExaminerRobert F. Cutting Attorney, Agent, or FirmCraig & Antonelli 7 1 ABSTRACT A device used for either amusement purposes or for physical therapy, including one or more spinning tops, each of which is disposed on a support structure including a base member, a vertical support member and a horizontal support member parallely disposed to the base member. Each of the tops has at least a portion fabricated from a material and a remote control arrangement is provided for selectively controlling the rotation of the tops, including a manually operable control member for each top and a mechanical linkage connecting each respective control member and its associated top, each linkage incorporating a magnet adapted to selectively engage the portion of the top.

13 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEU AUG) 919% FIG. la

SHEET 1 BF 2 FIG. lb

FIGlc FIGI IOd

FIG. 3

REMOTE-CONTROL DEVICE FOR SPINNING TOPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention pertains to a device which incorporates one or more spinning tops, commonly re ferred to as Yo-Yos, and includes remote control means for selectively operating the tops. The remote actuation of the tops enhances the enjoyment of the top itself and greatly increases the skill required for operation, particularly when two or more tops are involved and the operator is attempting to control these simultaneously, either with both hands or with different fingers of one hand.

Of even greater significance, perhaps, is another application of the subject device, quite different from the more obvious application in the field of toys and games. It is thought that the subject device can be extremely useful in the field of physical therapy. Specifically, the device may be advantageously employed in a program for rehabilitation of patients who have suffered some temporary impairment of manual or digital dexterity.

In this connection, it should be noted that the con ventional operation of a common Yo-Yo merely involves a degree of manual dexterity. The continuation of motion of a top is effected primarily on the basis of the operators response to a tactile stimulus. Thus, one experienced with the conventional operation of such spinning top would generally be capable of successfully manipulating the top even if blindfolded.

In contrast thereto, however, the remotely controlled device contemplated by the present invention substantially reduces a tactile stimulus. This substantial reduction or total elimination of a tactile stimulus requires the operator to manipulate the controls in response to a visual stimulus, thereby demanding a coordination of the eye and hand or fingers of the operator. Further, as mentioned above, the device contemplated by the present invention facilitates the requirement of a coordinator control of a plurality of tops, demanding far more intense concentration and coordination then that required for conventional direct operation of a spinning top.

A remote control device for spinning tops is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,621,605 and it is an objective of the present invention to provide an improved spinning top device which is more simple in design, easier to manufacture and relatively inexpensive to produce.

Further, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a device including a spinning top and means for remotely controlling the operation thereof.

Additionally, it is the objective of the present invention to provide a device of the type described above wherein a plurality of tops can be selectively controlled simultaneously from a remote location.

Moreover, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a device of the type described above which includes a relatively simple mechanical and/or magnetic linkage between the control members and the respective tops.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The aforementioned objectives are accomplished, in accordance with the present invention, by providing a support structure which includes an upright portion for supporting the free end of a drawstring of the top at an elevation greater than the length of the drawstring so that the top, when the drawstringg is fully unwound, is unobstructed. As mentioned briefly hereinabove, the top includes at least a portion which is of a paramagnetic material. In order to facilitate selective attraction and retention of the top in the upper position, wherein the drawstring is wound at least partially about the spindle thereof, a magnet is provided, either upon the support structure itself or at a fixed point on the drawstring of the top, for engagement with the metallic portion of the top.

A control member adapted to be operated manually or, more specifically, digitally, is interconnected with the free end of the drawstring of the top through a mechanical linkage which facilitates selective imparting motion to the drawstring, relative to the body of the top, thereby enabling an operator of the control member to either initiate a rotational motion of the top, to continue a reciprocating rotational motion thereof or to terminate rotation of the top.

As mentioned above, the present invention contemplates an assembly including a plurality of tops controlled by respective control members located in close proximity to facilitate simultaneous operation of the plurality of tops by a single operator. It is further contemplated that the plurality of units should be easily separable so that they may be operated by different operators as a competitive game. In this connection, the assembly would further include a timing device and/or a counting device, as well as an indicator for implementation of a competitive game arrangement.

Finally, the present invention additionally contemplates the use of a electrically powered wind-up mechanism for rotating the top to move same from an unwound position to an upper position wherein the drawstring is at least partially wound about the spindle of the top, which wind-up mechanism could be remotely controlled from a location in close proximity to a control member operating the respective top. This additional structural element of the combination will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages of the device constructed in accordance with the present invention will become more readily apparent from the consideration of the detailed description hereinbelow, when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 represents a side view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10, lb and 16 represent perspective views of alternate end portions of the control members;

FIG. 2, represents a modification of a drawstring passage; I

FIG. 3 represents a further modification of a portion of the control member;

FIG. 4 represents a partial side view of a further modification of the present invention;

FIG. 5 represents a side view of a spinning top constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 represents a front view of a spinning top illustrated in FIG. 4; and,

FIG. 7 represents a perspective view showing an arrangement of four of the individual devices illustrated in FIG. 1.

In the device illustrated in FIG. 1, a spinning top 1, in the form of a device similar to the toy known under the trademark Yo-Yo, is suspended by means of its drawstring 2 from a supporting structure including a base 9, a vertical upright support member 4 and a horizontal support arm 5 disposed in parallel relationship to the base member 9. The support member 4 is secured and supported upon the base 9 which may be of any configuration capable of maintaining the support 4 in an upright position. In this connection, the upright support 4 can be constructed in a form of a solid member rigidly secured at its ends to the base 9 and the horizontal support arm 5, respectively, or in any structural configuration and of any material capable of providing the necessary support.

As seen in FIG. 1, the horizontal support arm 5 is provided with a bore 7 at its end remote from the vertical support member 4 through which bore the drawstring 2 passes. Additionally, an angularly disposed second bore 6 is provided in the horizontal support arm 5 and the upright support member 4 for guiding the drawstring 2 to the rear of the device. Rather than a bore 6 it is possible to provide an angularly disposed groove 6a as shown in FIG. 2 to guide the drawstring 2 to the rear of the device.

The free end of the drawstring 2 extends from the bore 6 and is secured either by a knot or other suitable fastening means to the lower portion of the base member 9.

A control member 10, disposed in a bore 8 in base 9 is provided with a substantially S-shaped end portion 10a, more clearly illustrated in FIG. 1a, selectively engageable with the drawstring 2. The other end of the control member 10 is provided with a bent portion 10b adapted to be manipulated by the operator of the device. FIGS. lb and 1c illustrate modified forms of the drawstring engageable end portions 100 and 10d of the control member 10.

The drawstring engageable portion illustrated in FIG. lb consists of a substantially U-shaped string engaging portion 100 adapted to engage the drawstring 2 between the legs thereof. Alternatively, the control member 10 may be provided with a substantially L-shaped string engaging portion 10d as illustrated in FIG. 10.

In FIG. 3, the control member 10 is provided with a vertically extending arm portion 10 which may have disposed thereon, for example, the string engaging portion 10a. It being understood of course that the string engaging portions 100 and 10d could also be employed in the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further modification of the present invention wherein the rigid control member 10 is replaced by a ring member 30 which is attached to the free end of the drawstring 2 which is disposed in the bore 8.

The spinning top illustrated in FIG. 1 is provided with a plurality of metallic extension members 12 disposed in space relationship about the periphery of one or both of the respective half portions of the top. which metallic extensions 12 are capable of encountering and being held by a magnet 11 secured to the drawstring 2 at a point spaced from the top 1 in its lower most position. The magnet 11 defines both the initial and final position of the top 1 as will more apparent from the description of the operation of the invention as set forth hereinbelow.

The operation of the device illustrated in FIG. 1 proceeds as follows: with the drawstring 2 wound about the spindle of the spinning top 1 to such an extent that the metallic projections 12 of the top engage with magnet 11 and are thereby retained at the position of the magnet, the control member 10 is quickly displaced in either axial direction thus causing a quick vertical reciprocation of the top through translation of the drawstring 2, thereby overcoming the magnetic attraction between the magnet 11 and the metallic projections 12 of the spinning top. The spinning top 1 then unwinds upon drawstring 2 and as it approaches its lower, unwound position, the control member 10 is again manipulated to cause a repeated vertical reciprocation of the top through translation of the drawstring 2, thus causing the spinning top to rewind upon the drawstring. This process is continued so long as continuous operation is desired. Finally, more vigorous operation of the control member 10 causing a more pronounced motion of the drawstring 2 causes the spinning top to rewind upon the drawstring 2 up to the point where the magnetic attraction between the magnet 11 and the metallic portion 12 of the spinning top 1 causes a reengagement of the metallic projections on the spinning top 1 with the magnet 11 to catch the top and hold it in position once again.

The operation of the device illustrated in FIG. 3 proceeds essentially the same as that of FIG. 1; however, the control member 10 is rotated quickly from its normal vertical orientation, in either direction to cause the vertical reciprocation of the top through translation of the drawstring 2.

In FIG. 4 the translation of the drawstring is accomplished by the operator merely grasping and jerking the ring member 30. The jerking motion of the ring member 30 results in the magnetic attraction between the magnet 1 1 and the metallic projections 12 of the top 1 being overcome whereby a subsequent reciprocating movement of the ring member 30 causes the top to wind and unwind down the drawstring 2 due to the translation of the draw string. Finally, a more vigorous reciprocating movement of the ring member 30 causes the spinning top to rewind up the drawstring to the point where magnetic attraction between the magnet 11 and the metallic projections 12 causes reengagement of the metallic projections with the magnet to catch the top and hold it in its initial position.

It should be noted in connection with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 that the length of the.

control member 10 determines the distance through which the spinning top can be reciprocated upon actuation of the control member 10. Additionally, the position of the magnet 11 also determines the extent of travel of the top in the winding and unwinding upon the drawstring 2. Thus the difficulty in maintaining reciprocation of the spinning top 1 and achieving final travel of the top to the point where the magnet 11 will retain it in position can be adjusted by suitable adjustment of these parameters. Furthermore. it is also possible to mount the magnet 11 on the horizontal support member 5 in proximity to the bore 7.

A modified form of the spinning top which can be employed in the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes two disk-like halves 20 interconnected by a spindle 21 to which one end of the drawstring 2 is secured. Depressions 24 are provided for connection to a winder (not shown) if desired, which winder may be electrically powered. Further each half is provided with a circumferential groove 22 in which a metallic ring 23 is disposed. Thus, in place of the metallic extensions 12 provided in the embodiment of FIG. 1, a continuous metallic ring is provided at the periphery of 5 each of the halves 20 of the spinning top 1. To enhance the motion of the spinning top 1, a portion of elastic string 25 may be provided between the drawstring 2 and the spindle of the top 1, as illustrated in FIG. 5. It is also possible to combine several devices of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, such as illustrated by the embodiment of HO. 7.

The embodiment illustrated in H6. 7 which may consist of four base members 9 which are detachably connected by conventional fastening means such as screws, bolts, detachable hinges or clamps (not shown) or a single base member 90 upon which is supported four vertical support members 40, each carrying a horizontal support arm 50 from which is suspended a spinning top l on drawstrings 2 extending through bores 70 and bores 60 provided in the support arms. A plurality of control members 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 are disposed in the base 90 control the motion of the spinning top as described hereinabove. As with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, it is possible to employ grooves 6a (FIG. 2) rather than the bores 60 to guide the drawstring 2 to the rear of the device. It being understood, of course, that either the spinning top of H6. 1 or FIGS. 4 and 5 could be employed in the arrangement of FIG. 7.

With the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 7, a single player may manipulate four spinning tops through the control of the control members 100, or four players individually operating the respective control keys may simultaneously compete in manipulation of the spinning tops.

While the present invention has been described hereinabove with reference to the specific structural details, it is to be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to these specific structural details, but is susceptible to numerous changes and modifications as would be obvious to one with normal skill in the pertinent technology.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for remotely controlling one or more spinning tops, including at least one spinning top, having at least a portion thereof fabricated from a paramagnetic material, a drawstring secured at one end thereof to said spinning top to permit winding of said top on said drawstring, remote control means for actuating one or more of said tops, magnetic means cooperating with said paramagnetic portion for selectively engaging said spinning top, the improvement comprising: a support means for mounting one or more spinning tops including, a base member, a vertical support member having one end thereof fixed to said base member; a horizontal support member, spaced from and disposed in parallel relationship to said base member, said horizontal support member having one end thereof fixed to the other end of said vertical support member; a first bore disposed in said horizontal support member extending substantially perpendicular to said base member at an end remote from said vertical support member; passage means provided in said horizontal support member and said vertical support member, said passage means being angularly disposed with respect to said horizontal support member and said vertical support member; and a second bore provided in said base member extending substantially parallel to said horizontal support member, said drawstring passing through at least one of said bores and said passage means and said remote control means being operable through at least one of said bores whereby said one or more spinning tops may be selectively operated.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control means includes an axially displaceable rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion selectively engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second end portion being provided with a substantially Sshaped drawstring engaging portion.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control means includes an axially displaceable rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion selectively engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second end portion being provided with a substantially U-shaped drawstring engaging portion.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control means includes an axially displaceable rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion selectively engageable with a portion of said drawstring said second end portion being provided with a substantially L-shaped drawstring engaging portion.

5. A drawstring according to claim 1, wherein said remote control means includes a rotatably mounted rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second portion including a substantially vertically extending arm portion and a substantially S-shaped drawstring engaging portion.

6. A drawstring according to claim 1, wherein said remote control means includes a rotatably mounted rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second portion including a substantially vertically extending arm portion and a substantially U-shaped drawstring engaging portion.

7. A drawstring according to claim 1, wherein said remote control means includes a rotatably mounted rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second portion including a substantially vertically extending arm portion and a substantially L-shaped drawstring engaging portion.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said drawstring passes through each of said bores and said remote control means includes a ring-like member attached to the free end of said drawstring.

9. A device according to claim 1, wherein two or more spinning tops are provided each with a remote control means, said control means being located in close proximity in said base member whereby remote a portion of said drawstring is fabricated from a relatively elastic material.

12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said passage means includes a third bore provided in said horizontal support member and said vertical support member.

13. A device according to claim 1, wherein said passage means includes a groove provided in said horizontal support member and said vertical support member. 

1. A device for remotely controlling one or more spinning tops, including at least one spinning top, having at least a portion thereof fabricated from a paramagnetic material, a drawstring secured at one end thereof to said spinning top to permit winding of said top on said drawstring, remote control means for actuating one or more of said tops, magnetic means cooperating with said paramagnetic portion for selectively engaging said spinning top, the improvement comprising: a support means for mounting one or more spinning tops including, a base member, a vertical support member having one end thereof fixed to said base member; a horizontal support member, spaced from and disposed in parallel relationship to said base member, said horizontal support member having one end thereof fixed to the other end of said vertical support member; a first bore disposed in said horizontal support member extending substantially perpendicular to said base member at an end remote from said vertical support member; passage means provided in said horizontal support member and said vertical support member, said passage means being angularly disposed with respect to said horizontal support member and said vertical support member; and a second bore provided in said base member extending substantially parallel to said horizontal support member, said drawstring passing through at least one of said bores and said passage means and said remote control means being operable through at least one of said bores whereby said one or more spinning tops may be selectively operated.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control means includes an axially displaceable rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion selectively engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second end portion being provided with a substantially S-shaped drawstring engaging portion.
 3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control means includes an axially displaceable rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion selectively engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second end portion being provided with a substantially U-shaped drawstring engaging portion.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the remote control means includes an axially displaceable rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion selectively engageable with a portion of said drawstring said second end portion being provided with a substantially L-shaped drawstring engaging portion.
 5. A drawstring according to claim 1, wherein said remote control means includes a rotatably mounted rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said secOnd portion including a substantially vertically extending arm portion and a substantially S-shaped drawstring engaging portion.
 6. A drawstring according to claim 1, wherein said remote control means includes a rotatably mounted rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second portion including a substantially vertically extending arm portion and a substantially U-shaped drawstring engaging portion.
 7. A drawstring according to claim 1, wherein said remote control means includes a rotatably mounted rod-like member disposed in said second bore, said rod-like member having a first end portion adapted to be manipulated by an operator and a second end portion engageable with a portion of said drawstring, said second portion including a substantially vertically extending arm portion and a substantially L-shaped drawstring engaging portion.
 8. A device according to claim 1, wherein said drawstring passes through each of said bores and said remote control means includes a ring-like member attached to the free end of said drawstring.
 9. A device according to claim 1, wherein two or more spinning tops are provided each with a remote control means, said control means being located in close proximity in said base member whereby remote control of said two or more spinning tops can be effected by different digits of an operator''s hand.
 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein said spinning top includes two identical disk-like halves interconnected in spaced parallel relationship by a spindle forming the rotational axis thereof, each of said disk-like halves including a circumferential groove and further including a metal ring means disposed with said circumferential grooves.
 11. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said drawstring is fabricated from a relatively elastic material.
 12. A device according to claim 1, wherein said passage means includes a third bore provided in said horizontal support member and said vertical support member.
 13. A device according to claim 1, wherein said passage means includes a groove provided in said horizontal support member and said vertical support member. 